Overview & Reviews

BMW is an acronym for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG -- or, in English, Bavarian Motor Works. Whatever you call it, the German-based company is one of the world's most respected automakers, renowned for crafting luxury cars and SUVs that offer superior levels of driving enjoyment.

Founded in Munich, the company began in the early 1910s as an aircraft manufacturer. BMW's current logo, designed to represent white propeller blades against a blue sky, reflects these origins; its blue-and-white color scheme also references Bavaria's blue-and-white checkered flag.

It wasn't until 1928 that production began on the first BMW automobile, the Dixi. The car proved tremendously popular, and its success helped the manufacturer weather the Depression. BMW's best-known pre-World War II vehicle was the Type 328 roadster, a supple two-seater that racked up more than 120 victories on the motorsport circuit between 1936 and 1940. Postwar BMW cars maintained this tradition, with several racing, rallying and hill climb victories.

The early 1950s saw the launch of the BMW 501, a roomy, voluptuous sedan that was resplendent with all of the hopefulness of that era. It was soon followed by the 502, which was powered by the world's first light-alloy V8, foreshadowing BMW's ongoing commitment to developing new technology. The best-selling BMW of that decade was the Isetta, a petite two-seat "microcar" typically powered by a 12- or 13-horsepower engine. The mid-'50s also saw the debut of the limited production and breathtakingly beautiful 507 sports car, which had an alloy body and used the 502's V8 for propulsion. In the 1960s, BMW sales strengthened significantly, thanks in part to the immense popularity of the 1500, a sporty family sedan.

By the 1970s, BMW was establishing itself as a full-fledged car company. It was a pioneer for many emerging technologies, including turbocharging and advanced vehicle electronics. BMW of North America was established at that time, and consumers who coveted both sports and luxury cars became loyal "Bimmer" owners. The '70s also saw the birth of BMW's three-tier sport sedan range consisting of the compact 3 Series, midsize 5 Series and large 7 Series cars and the creation of its performance M division. Though the 3 Series could be had with four-cylinder power, it was the company's inline-6 engines that developed BMW's reputation for spirited, yet highly refined performance. At decade's end, the limited production, short-lived M1 supercar debuted.

Throughout the 1980s, BMW became the unofficial poster car of yuppies, as the brand ostensibly signified one's financial success as well as a passion for driving. The elegant 6 Series coupe debuted, and the latter part of the decade saw the high-performance M division working its magic on various production models.

In the early 1990s, BMW replaced the 6 Series with the powerful (V12-powered at first) but heavy 8 Series grand touring coupe. A bit later, BMW introduced its popular Z3 roadster. The company also opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant in the latter half of the 1990s.

The 2000s brought a midsize SUV (the X5) as well as a compact SUV (the X3) as BMW joined the hot-selling segment. Since then, BMW has replaced the Z3 with the Z4, introduced the compact 1 Series, produced hybrid versions of a few models and debuted the X6 fastback crossover. The company has also expanded its empire to include Mini and Rolls-Royce and continues to build motorcycles, something it has done since the 1920s.

BMW's famous advertising slogan describes each of its vehicles as "the ultimate driving machine," and it's not mere hyperbole. Over the past couple of decades, BMWs have become the standard for performance and luxury in most of the "over $30,000" segments. With family-friendly wagons, crisp sedans, distinctive coupes, nimble sports cars and spacious SUVs offered, BMW's model roster is diverse. But its vehicles all share a common characteristic: the ability to make drivers feel gloriously connected to the road.

User Reviews:

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  First BMW, Its Amazing! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Quetzalcoatl - October 23 - 12:50 am

  This is my first BMW. I fell in love with German engineering when I owned the 98 Passat. This is that multiplied by 10. The car is a pure joy to drive. It makes the slog of the commute worth it, at least for a little while. I-drive is nowhere near the horrible extra everyone says. The cupholders arent great, but they do the job. The one complaint I have is minor, and that is the odd compartments in the center armrest. Whats the point?

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  My First BMW - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By DJ - October 19 - 6:46 am

  Generally, Im pleased with my 328xi and looking forward to winter in the Colorado mountains. I like the 6 speed manual transmission, although I think the car is slightly underpowered compared to my Audi A4 2.0. I love the convenience locks and the pushbutton start. So far, no mechanical problems, but I think the no flat tires are overly loud on the freeway. All in all, the car sticks to the road like glue and is fun to drive on mountain roads (not so fun in tight parking lots).

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  Most reliable car Ive ever owned - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By just1 - October 6 - 11:00 pm

  I have owned the car since 1998 and it has never left me stranded, gets 36 mpg and handles as good as cars that cost 5 times as much! To sum it up, the car is worth much more than you end up paying for one.

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  Alpine white beauty - 2006 BMW Z4
  By JeffM16 - October 5 - 2:46 pm

  Have had my Z4 for a week now and even with trying to take the car from my wife and constantly arguing about whose car is it, its still worth every second of owning. After owning my first BMW I dont believe I could ever own another brand.

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  Good Car - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By hmcdade - October 2 - 12:11 pm

  Like owning the 2000 BMW 528i. Performance is perfect with soft braking. Maintenance is higher than other cars (to be expected), but if you stay away from dealer and find other BMW specialty mechanic shops, your wallet will be happier.

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  Good Car - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By CB - September 29 - 8:15 pm

  This is a great car! Especially powerful and classy. However, BMW has done some cheap things - like window shades and rear cup holders that fall apart the first time you use them. And the "Certified" warranty does not cover them. Also, the door jams are PAINTED and scuff easily. Within days your BMW will look scuffed up! BMW will not sell any touch-up paint for them. All BMWs are the same way. Good fuel economy for a heavy car. Lots of trunk space. The GPS is hard to use and built in phone sytem unusable with todays technology. VERY expensive to repair. Uses high-octane fuel. After 12 months it started to lack power and act sluggish. Needed some dealrer maintenance.

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  30days and 3000 miles - 2014 BMW X1
  By Gone247 - September 20 - 9:22 pm

  This is a great lil X1 and at a great price point for a 2014 used BMW. I downsized from my 2005 X5 which I loved and miss very much (had 160k miles and never a major repair or problem). Ive always been happy with BMWs. Ive owned 7, 5, 3 and X series throughout the last 20 or so years. The reason I down sized is because Im a commuter and was looking for something that can give me 30mpg on the hwy. It was the BMW or Subaru. Ive also enjoyed Subarus and nowadays these are my only two choices of go to vehicles for cars as a daily driver. Im a car enthusiast and have owned Ferrari, Mercedes, Lexus and plenty other luxury and sports cars. Im not posting to brag Im posting so the reader knows I have choices and know about many cars from first hand driving experience. This X1 is great in handling around town. I got this due to its looks, compact size for ease of downtown parking, cargo area for placing travel bags, groceries and 60/40 split that I can slide in my surfboard. The only reason I didnt choose the Subaru is I really dont visit the snow that much. But if you get the X1 in the xDrive itll be a very close match. I got the sDrive because it feels more like driving a sports car with that real wheel power and cutting in tight corners when I punch it around the twisties and I like that feeling. Go for the Ultimate Package as itll include many features like Navigation, Rear Camera and Parking Distance Control. What I miss is having that extra space or elbow room when I have passengers and sitting much higher up (comparing with my old X5). What I love better is the newer electronics and fuel efficiency and having the Ultimate Package amenities. If youre looking into a used X1 then go with 2014 or 2015 model years. 2013 was the first year this model hit the US and the 2016 has been completely redesigned in and out. The deals are on the 2014 for all the lease returns that hit and chances are youll still get the 4 year/50k miles free maintenance plan thats remaining and Certified Pre-Owned near bumper to bumper warranty if you buy it from a BMW dealer. All the BMW dealerships I checked out actually had better deals compared to other car lots.

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  Love this car - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Wilfredo - September 20 - 3:05 pm

  My 1997 540i is 163,000 miles-old and it still feels & drives like a brand- new-year-model. With a powerful V8 thats not designed to pull you back into your seat when taking a ride, but instead, gives you the smooth enjoyable feeling which makes you just want to keep driving. At first it all had to do with just experiencing what was to have a BMW, but once I had it, it all changed. I thought I had tried it all, I was very wrong. This is the Ultimate Driving Machine. Quality Interior design & components, powerfull awesome engine,... There are new cars coming out every year (Lexus, Infiniti, etc) and most of them dont even come with the gadgets that came in my BMW 540i 1997 model.

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  You must be ready to comprimise! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Whytry - September 16 - 3:55 pm

  I have had my car for a little while now and it seems to be holding up I had a few issues - the moonroof headliner is defective and BMW tried to charge me $1000.00 to fix it - just recall it please, it is defective! My drivers side window is sticking and I am afraid to get it fixed after reading the reviews here that say the window leaks after the repair! I keep burning oil and I will have to see what is causing that. Brakes go fast and cost $800.00 to change. And I had some loose exterior trim through seemingly no fault of my own. Loose interior grill on speaker. Loose mat anchor.

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  Best in its class--again. - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By matthew - September 15 - 1:05 am

  325xi with steptronic purchased as certified pre-owned with 18500 miles. Car is like new - agile handling, superb steering, fair to good acceleration (best from 25 mph to 75 mph), and solid feel. Interior leather, carpet, etc., all of high quality with no signs of wear. Seats are firm and comfortable. Cold weather package is a great option but fold-down seats or at least a pass-through should be standard feature on this car as trunk space is limited. Jet black paint is nice but optional metallic paint looks better on this model as 325s lack the chrome trim of the 330s models. Driving experience is great whether on highway or twisty back roads. H-K sound upgrade is good but not outstanding.